Working groups on both sides of the Capitol are trying to reach an agreement that would provide some permanent legal status for "Dreamers" and money for border security.

To strike that deal, Menendez said Democrats see the most leverage when they negotiate a larger spending bill, in which Republicans will want to increase spending defense spending caps.

Menendez said proposals being floated around include increased interior enforcement and an end to immigration laws that allow a U.S. citizen to claim a family member, helping them immigrate to America.

Asked about pressure from outside groups earlier in the week, Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin, who helped lead negotiations, told reporters “there’s much being discussed outside of your reporting.” Durbin said it’s unclear if a deal will be attached to a short-term resolution to keep the government open though the holidays, or passed separately.

Though there are scant details on any deal from either side of the Capitol, a House Democratic aide told the Washington Examiner on Thursday that “there is a path to getting this done before we leave.”